Changing sleep patterns of Babies 4-7 Months
Your Baby's Sleeping Patterns Will Change quite noticeably as the weeks and months pass by.
Changing sleep patterns of Babies 4-7 Months
Your baby should start sleeping through the night from about 3-4 months old.
All Babies differ, but as a general guide, by the age of three months or so, your little one will begin to sleep through the best part of the night, Provided you have already established a bed time pattern. So it should not be too difficult to settle your baby, in their crib or cot. If you have had the baby in your bedroom for the first few weeks, because of three to four hourly feeds, you may find it best to put the baby in his/her nursery for their naps, throughout the day, so that they get used to waking up in the familiar surroundings of their own bedroom. I kept both of my children next to my bed for several weeks, as it felt easier breast feeding during the night, but, I also put them into their nursery for their naps during the day, and it worked quite well. Placing a musical mobile over the cot, also worked wonders too. You will have noted I said three to four hourly feeds, this is because breast milk is more readily digested by the baby, so, they do usually need a more frequent feeding pattern. They are not being greedy. Formula milk just takes longer to digest.
Babies are learning and observing all the time, so it is important to maintain the same routine at bed time, bath and prep for bed, feed and wind, and then settle them into their cot/crib and gently pat on the back if they cry. Read your little one a story, and whilst reading slow the pace of your reading down, and as they drift off to sleep, lower your voice. This helps them to drift off to sleep. Or if you prefer, play a CD of Lullaby music, but quietly, even hum along. If this does not work, do not lose patience, just busy your self in and out of the nursery, so your little one is aware that you are around, but not totally focused on them. It is quite relaxing and reassuring for them hearing you moving around doing things, as they drift off to sleep.
Many parents worry about baby developing separation anxiety, but, just adopting a few of the relaxation techniques mentioned, should avoid this happening. Whilst it's a normal part of development for many babies , coping with separation from mummy, it will be far easier, for both of you, if you stick to a routine.
You will certainly need to change the baby's nappie during the night, and when you do, it is important not to stimulate your baby, in other words, minimum talk and very quiet movements, use night-light not main light to work with. In fact one of the main reasons a baby wakes up, apart from hunger, will be because of a wet/soiled nappy, as they will be very uncomfortable. Which is very understandable. If they are not due a feed, a little boiled/cooled water to drink, and they should settle back down.
Try not to alter the bedtime routine, it is this consistency which your baby will respond well to.
Of course there will be times when your young one is teething or has had vaccinations, which means , just like an adult, they may be feverish and very restless. When this happens, it is important to control the room temperature, don't have it too hot, but conversely a draught from an open window is not advisable. However a small fan is very useful to help lower a feverish temperature, just do not put it too close to the cot/crib. Follow medical advice regarding teething gel application, and medication to reduce temperature. Even use warm water to bathe the baby's head and face, periodically. Clearly it is important to seek medical advice if you are unable to lower the temperature, be guided by your instincts. Mother's instinctively know the difference between a fretful child and a very sick child. If in doubt,seek medical assistance from a doctor.
I hope these basic guidelines help you to settle your baby, and you enjoy that special time with your child, as they drift off to sleep.
Changing sleep patterns of Babies 4-7 Months
Your baby should start sleeping through the night from about 3-4 months old.
All Babies differ, but as a general guide, by the age of three months or so, your little one will begin to sleep through the best part of the night, Provided you have already established a bed time pattern. So it should not be too difficult to settle your baby, in their crib or cot. If you have had the baby in your bedroom for the first few weeks, because of three to four hourly feeds, you may find it best to put the baby in his/her nursery for their naps, throughout the day, so that they get used to waking up in the familiar surroundings of their own bedroom. I kept both of my children next to my bed for several weeks, as it felt easier breast feeding during the night, but, I also put them into their nursery for their naps during the day, and it worked quite well. Placing a musical mobile over the cot, also worked wonders too. You will have noted I said three to four hourly feeds, this is because breast milk is more readily digested by the baby, so, they do usually need a more frequent feeding pattern. They are not being greedy. Formula milk just takes longer to digest.
Babies are learning and observing all the time, so it is important to maintain the same routine at bed time, bath and prep for bed, feed and wind, and then settle them into their cot/crib and gently pat on the back if they cry. Read your little one a story, and whilst reading slow the pace of your reading down, and as they drift off to sleep, lower your voice. This helps them to drift off to sleep. Or if you prefer, play a CD of Lullaby music, but quietly, even hum along. If this does not work, do not lose patience, just busy your self in and out of the nursery, so your little one is aware that you are around, but not totally focused on them. It is quite relaxing and reassuring for them hearing you moving around doing things, as they drift off to sleep.
Many parents worry about baby developing separation anxiety, but, just adopting a few of the relaxation techniques mentioned, should avoid this happening. Whilst it's a normal part of development for many babies , coping with separation from mummy, it will be far easier, for both of you, if you stick to a routine.
You will certainly need to change the baby's nappie during the night, and when you do, it is important not to stimulate your baby, in other words, minimum talk and very quiet movements, use night-light not main light to work with. In fact one of the main reasons a baby wakes up, apart from hunger, will be because of a wet/soiled nappy, as they will be very uncomfortable. Which is very understandable. If they are not due a feed, a little boiled/cooled water to drink, and they should settle back down.
Try not to alter the bedtime routine, it is this consistency which your baby will respond well to.
Of course there will be times when your young one is teething or has had vaccinations, which means , just like an adult, they may be feverish and very restless. When this happens, it is important to control the room temperature, don't have it too hot, but conversely a draught from an open window is not advisable. However a small fan is very useful to help lower a feverish temperature, just do not put it too close to the cot/crib. Follow medical advice regarding teething gel application, and medication to reduce temperature. Even use warm water to bathe the baby's head and face, periodically. Clearly it is important to seek medical advice if you are unable to lower the temperature, be guided by your instincts. Mother's instinctively know the difference between a fretful child and a very sick child. If in doubt,seek medical assistance from a doctor.
I hope these basic guidelines help you to settle your baby, and you enjoy that special time with your child, as they drift off to sleep.